Rhode Island's serious homelessness crisis cannot be solved by punishing the victims of that crisis. As such, we argued against legislation which would make it a crime punishable by a year in prison for a person to "occupy a dwelling unit or other structure" without permission. Aimed at people who are considered "squatters," we argued this criminalization is cruel and lacks compassion for those experiencing the plight that hundreds of unhoused Rhode Islanders face. 

Sponsors

Representative Baginski

Status

Held for Further Study

Session

2025

Bill number

Position

Oppose